DIY NF4 passive Chipset Cooler!

[skool h8r]

Hi all,
I'm getting my dremel (multitool is what it says but it's not dremel brand) today so i'm going to be working on a passive NF4 chipset heatsink, due to the fact that the Epox stock one is incredibly loud (about the same as my 2 ebuyer case fans AND my HSF Fan!). I need to work a few things out first, and maybe someone could help me out here:

How far apart do the pushpin/screw holes need to be to attach it to the motherboard (EP-9NPAJ-SLI)?
Should i use the pushpins, or use screws and some of those plastic red washers?

The chipset is right below the graphics card and i'm not sure what i should do, should i:
A) Cut a section out of each fin off of each side of the gap in the middle of the heatsink
B) Cut the fins on one side to make them smaller
C) Cut the fins on both sides to make them smaller

The heatsink in question is a stock A64 (the one without the heatpipes) that's had it's fan and bracket removed, so obviously, it's made out of aluminium (it's kinda like a modded hardcano cooler). Obviously, because of the screwholes, i am going to have to cut some of the fins out completely. I'm also going to polist the heatsink up using a multitool attachement, and i might even lap the base (either using the multitool, or i might get some sandpaper (grit 240 - 1000) and some mothers mag aluminium polish).

After i've done that, i'm going to be cutting the back panel of my door out so that just the silver grill is left.

I'll be sure to get pics and write an article about how to make your own. So, anything i should be aware of before i go cutting it up (some of you told me before but because i've gone for dremel rather than handsaw, anything else)?

[phatic]

Ah, good luck.

A while back I drilled a couple of holes in my old TNT2 heatsink, and used it to replace the annoyingly loud chipset fan. It actually worked quite well too.

But I'm guessing that your chipset runs fairly hot, hence the large heatsink. Hm... Maybe just drill the holes through from the flat side of the heatsink, and hopefully you can drill through some fins, so they will break off easily, and leave you some room for the pushpins or screws.

But eh... why not just buy something like this?

[Gizmo]

Maybe because he already has the A64 heatsink, where he'd have to fork out some dosh for the Zalman?

[phatic]

Hmm... Fair enough. I'd rather pay $10 than go to all that effort, but whatever floats your boat.

[skool h8r]

I had thought about getting one of those but due to size limitations (about 2cm at most from chipset to graphics card). I've got the dremel now and i've already polished one of the sides (needs finishing off though) and i've cut one of the fins off to a height (i'm cutting them all to a certain height and then cutting others even further as required). I've also broke 2 of the cutting discs in the process (i pressed down on them with my finger by accident). Off for something to eat then i'm gonna finish it off i think.

[raphael2040]

I know I shouldn't have to say this, but don't forget to wear goggles! Without your sight, you cannot mod!

Also, I advise you get an accessory set for your dremel. The standard bits that you get with it are usually cheap and break very easily. You don't want to ruin your heatsink because of a dodgy bit.

[phatic]

Originally Posted by skool h8r

I had thought about getting one of those but due to size limitations (about 2cm at most from chipset to graphics card). I've got the dremel now and i've already polished one of the sides (needs finishing off though) and i've cut one of the fins off to a height (i'm cutting them all to a certain height and then cutting others even further as required). I've also broke 2 of the cutting discs in the process (i pressed down on them with my finger by accident). Off for something to eat then i'm gonna finish it off i think.

Ah yeah. My chipset is pretty close the graphics card too - the little heatsink only just fits.

Would love to see a pic or two once the mod is finished!

[skool h8r]

Lots of piccies of it at different stages! At the moment, i've got the spindle jammed i.e. a cutting disc broke and the middle bit is stuck in between the 2 small red plastic washers. I've got 9 fins cut so far, and some of the sides polished (but need finishing off), so i now either need to find a way to unjam the spindle, or buy a new one. I've realised that i need to run it at a medium speed with little pressure applied.

Before i buy any more bits for it, i'm going to see how things go on thursday (hopefully, i'll get a date + results day) so things may be on hold until then. If it goes well, then i might not have the money to finish it off until next month ( ) but if they don't ( ) then i'll finish it off.

[raphael2040]

The standard bits that you get with it are usually cheap and break very easily.

i.e. a cutting disc broke and the middle bit is stuck in between the 2 small red plastic washers

XD. I love being right.

Good luck with the rest of your mod, Mr h8r.